MEALS
GROUP SIZE
MAX. ALTITUDE
DIFFICULTY
Hike to the Andean Mountain Gem
The Humantay Lake Tour is undoubtedly one of the best day hikes in Peru. Spend a beautiful day exploring the fantastic mountain views, exotic flora, and fauna. In addition, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch made with fresh local ingredients. This is a great choice if you want to experience the natural beauty and don’t mind an extra hike.
Enjoy nature at its most spectacular! The special algae in the lake, combined with the reflection of the surrounding greenery, the blue sky, and the splendor of the Andean sun, create a deep shade of turquoise blue that is very rare indeed.
Our Exclusive full-day Humantay Lake tour from Cusco includes round-trip transport, so you only have to enjoy the tour.
You can join us on this exciting day out any day of the week. It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling alone, with a partner, or as part of a bigger group; we can accommodate you. Don’t miss out on seeing this glorious natural wonder when in Cusco.
Humantay Lake is one of the many hidden gems in Peru’s highland region. It sits in front of the shocking presence of two sacred snowy mountains, the Salkantay and Humantay, the famous Apus or Andean gods. The white backdrop will make you feel like you’re in a fantasy dream.
During the day, you’ll witness incredible scenery as you drive to the hike’s starting point. And hike up to the lake. Then, have plenty of time for lunch and take in the most beautiful landscapes imaginable before returning to the city.
Book with us, and we’ll cover every last detail. All you need to do is relax and enjoy yourself. We’ll collect you and drop you off at your accommodation door. What are you waiting for? Join us on this trip to a paradise in the Andes.
Tour Location: The vivid turquoise-blue Humantay Lake via the Salkantay Trail.
Tour Type: Hiking, adventure.
Good For: Those with a sense of adventure and in moderate shape.
Temperature: Inconsistent, wear layers.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Considerations: Enjoy the amazing colors of the Blue Lagoon.
Highlight of the Day: Without a doubt, reaching the lake and looking at the stunning scenery all around.
We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 4:00 – 4:30 a.m. We can collect from any hotel near the center of the Cusco district and then drive for two hours to the town of Mollepata, where you will enjoy a delicious breakfast in a local restaurant using fresh, local products. Next, you will drive for one more hour to the trailhead at Soraypampa, where we will prepare for the beautiful hiking day ahead.
Your tour guide will give you some time to prepare, use the facilities, and warm up. The hike starts with an easy first part and then gets steep as we get closer to Humantay Lake. After two hours of hiking through beautiful landscapes, we will finally arrive at the amazing turquoise waters of Humantay Lake, located at 4200 meters (13,779 feet), right below the mountain of the same name. You will be able to explore the area, relax, and enjoy the breeze and fresh air.
After enjoying the tranquillity of Humantay Lake, you will start descending for two hours back to the trailhead, where you will board the van back to Mollepata town and enjoy a delicious meal in the local restaurant. You will then have some time to enjoy the views from Mollepata town and finally board the van for a two-hour journey back to Cusco. The tour will finish at your hotel around 6:00 p.m.
During the day trip, you will be provided with warm blankets for the early morning drive, and you will also be provided with trekking poles for a hike.
PLEASE REMEMBER
To enjoy this trip to the fullest, you need to be well-acclimated. That’s why we recommend you arrive in Cusco at least two days in advance to avoid altitude sickness. It’s important that you avoid alcoholic beverages and cigarettes the first few days. You also need to stay well-hydrated.
Altitude sickness symptoms include shortness of breath or extreme agitation, severe headaches, vomiting, and even diarrhea. Nobody wants to feel like this in the middle of the mountain! So, make sure you prepare well and take the proper precautions.
With the Humantay Lake in Peru, you’ll be on an adventure with beautiful scenery, high elevations, and weather that can change quickly. For your convenience, here is a full packing list to help you get ready for your trip:
You’ll need to dress warmly, as the weather can drop below 0°C at the top of Humantay Lake. Make sure to bring warm jackets, hats, gloves, and also be prepared for potential rainy days.
Clothes: The weather in the Humantay Lake can change suddenly, so wear layers that you can add or remove.
Hiking pants: Wear comfortable pants for hiking and bad weather.
T-shirts: Long-sleeve T-shirts are recommended. If possible, bring a spare T-shirt in case of rain.
Hiking boots: Waterproof Hiking boots are necessary, or shoes with good traction
Gloves and Beanie: A warm beanie and gloves for cold mornings, especially in the early morning or late evening.
Sun hat or cap: The Sun can be strong on sunny days.
Socks: Wool or a blend that is good for hiking. Bring extra pairs of socks, just in case.
The hiking is about 4 hours round trip at high altitude; you must have everything you need in a backpack. You will be carrying this backpack.
Backpack: Comfortable backpack for hiking to carry the things you need.
Hydration systems or water bottles: Take a container for 2 liters of water
Sunscreen and sunglasses: On a sunny, you need to stay protected.
First Aid Kit: Bring a small kit with medicines, bandages, antiseptic, and rubber bands.
Camera or smartphone: Make sure your phone is fully charged; take a portable charger if necessary.
Headlamp or flashlight: We don’t need it during the hike; however, it is recommended to have it with you.
Snacks: Bring energy bars, nuts, jerky, or dried fruit.
Trekking Poles: Provide by Pacha Peru Explorers.
Rain Poncho: Especially during the rainy season, avoid taking umbrellas.
Toilet paper or wet wipes: There are basic facilities
Hand sanitizer: keep with you all the time
Keep important documents sealed in weatherproof containers or plastic bags to prevent them from getting wet.
Passport: Keep your original passport in a safe place.
Cash: Bring cash for souvenirs, snacks, and tips, as no ATMs are nearby.
Humantay Lake Hike Tour can leave any day of the week, from January trought December.
2025 Land Cost
Group Price: US$ 150.00 per person
This small-group journey is guaranteed to opérate with just two guests.
Notice that PayPal or other plataforms charges a fee of 6%, which we ask the client to cover since it’s due to the use of its service. This tax is just for online deposits.
Price Guarantee
Once your booking has been confirmed, we guarantee the Price won’t increase, whatever the circunstances. So please, before booking, ensure you’ve read all our important tour information.
Humantay Lake is a popular destination for hikers, campers, and nature enthusiasts. The lagoon is known for its vibrant colors and stunning views. However, before you head out on your next adventure, you should know a few things.
LocationHumantay Lake is located in the Peruvian Andes, about a 3-hour drive from the city of Cusco and a 2-hour hike to the lake. The lake is situated at an altitude of 4,200 meters (13,780 feet), making it one of the highest lakes in Peru. It is surrounded by mountains, including Humantay Peak, which rises to 5,917 meters (19,427 feet).
Humantay Lake is a glacial lake in the Cusco Region of Peru. It sits in the saddle between the mountains of Salkantay and Humantay. The lake is fed by glacial meltwater from nearby glaciers and has a turquoise color due to light reflecting off the sediments at the bottom. The area around Humantay Lake has been inhabited for centuries by indigenous people.
The lake holds spiritual significance for many indigenous communities and is used for ceremonies and rituals. In recent years, it has become a popular tourist destination. The area around the lake is beautiful, and several hiking trails lead to different viewpoints.
Humantay Lake lies at 4,200 meters (13,780 feet) above sea level. It is part of the Cordillera Vilcabamba mountain range in the Peruvian Andes.
The weather at Humantay Lake varies depending on the time of year. In the rainy season, the lake is often covered in mist and can be quite cold when cloudy or rainy. During the dry season, it is typically sunny and warm during the day but very cold at night or early morning. Visitors should be prepared for both types of weather when planning a trip to Humantay Lake.
The Humantay Lake tour is not for the faint of heart. The hike is moderate to challenging, with a steep incline and rocky terrain. The real difficulty comes from the high altitude. At over 4,200 meters above sea level, the oxygen is thin, and it can be hard to catch your breath. This can make the hike more challenging, so it’s important to take breaks often to rest and recover. While the views from the lake are stunning, getting there is no easy feat.
Humantay Lake and Rainbow Mountain are the two most popular day tours you can take from Cusco. These tours are available every day and are similar in organization, schedules, and logistics; however, the experience and landscapes are completely different. While Humantay Lake is located near Salkantay Mountain, with green landscapes typical of the high cloud forest region at 4,200 meters, Rainbow Mountain is in the Ausangate region, which is higher and drier. It has reddish landscapes typical of the 5,000-meter area.
For the less demanding hike and lower altitude, the Humantay Lake is a great option. If you’re up for a challenge and want unforgettable views, consider Rainbow Mountain—just be aware of the thin air and long distance.
If you’re looking for a beautiful turquoise lake to visit in Peru, Humantay is the perfect spot. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your visit:
And that’s it—following these tips will help you have a great time visiting Humantay Lake!
Thank you for your interest in having and adventure travel experience in Peru curated by Pacha Peru Explorers. Please take a moment to complete our short form, so one our friendly Adventure Consultants could provide you all the information for your trip of a lifetime in Peru.
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Remember | One of our Travel Experts will contact you soon to confirm the availability of the trip you chose, give you more information, and/or provide you alternative options. Once availlability is established, we will ask for a deposit and a completed online registration to confirm your spot on the trek. Please call us at (+51) 950 705034 with any questions or to confirm availability over the phone.
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